Thanks for the advice. As you suggest, shopping around for early impressions via various sources is the option I've chosen. I imagine this will take several years, but it will be more fun that way (the hunt) and at least it won't be a single large sum coming out of my pocket at once.

For the record, here's the reply I received from HC when asking what discount was offered on the complete set:

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Dear Mr Burns

Thank you for your recent e-mail to Harper Collins regarding the Tolkien print on demand series.

We are happy to offer you a 10% discount when ordering the whole series of 13 titles. The total of the order would therefore be £468.00 plus free delivery to UK.

As these are print on demand titles these books get made on a customers request, therefore the delivery time is roughly 28 working days.

Can you please advise if you wish to order these titles.

Kind regardsMichelle

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Needless to say, I thanked Michelle but chose not to order at this time. Perhaps I'll order the hardback Index one day, but I think looking for copies already out there is a better way forward.

Anyone have favourite haunts for seeking out the HoME series? My plan was going to involve lots of Google, Amazon, Ebay and garage/yard/car boot sales. I'd be surprised to find something of this calibur in a bargain book shop.